2017 marks the bicentennial of the inauguration of America's fifth president, James Monroe. President Monroe entered office on March 4, 1817, with no official residence, as the White House was still under reconstruction from when it was burned by British troops on August 24, 1814. In commemoration of the bicentennial of the restoration and reopening of the White House, the White House Historical Association has encouraged cities and towns around the United States named after our fifth commander in chief, to proclaim 2017 as the Year of James Monroe.